What Are the Causes of Mucus After Eating?

Karma AmarandeUpdated July 20, 2017

It's normal to have small quantities of clear mucus in your nose and throat. However, membranes can begin creating abnormal quantities of mucus. When congealed mucus combined with dead white blood cells, bacteria, viruses and tissues is expelled from the lungs by coughing, it is called phlegm. Usually, a build-up of mucus and phlegm in the throat is suggestive of certain bacterial infections or allergens, which can be bothersome. Excess mucus can also be triggered by the consumption of certain foods.

Why Our Bodies Produce Mucus

Any time the existence of toxins, allergens or disease-causing substances is recognised by the body, the mucus membranes begin to make mucus as an immune system response. The unfamiliar allergens are captured and are removed from the body with the mucus.

Causes of Excess Mucus After Eating

The build-up of mucus after eating may be credited to a range of factors, such as food allergies and the consumption of fried foods and dairy products. The consumption of dairy products can cause the thickening of mucus, which negatively impacts the drainage of mucus. These kinds of foods may also aggravate the lining of the mucus membranes and trigger the membranes to create much more mucus. When you have been eating foods that you may be allergic to, you're more likely to encounter mucus in the throat after eating.

Other Causes of Excess Mucus After Eating

The excess mucus could also be caused by acid reflux illness. Drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks may also cause excess mucus and interfere with mucus drainage. Smoking also leads to the inflammation of the membrane lining and causes harm to the cilia. As a result, these hairlike projections can't drain the excess mucus.

Treatments for Excess Mucus

Because mucus build-up is likely to be prompted by the consumption of fried foods, wheat or dairy products, you must be extremely mindful about what you consume. Decrease your consumption of dairy products and fried foods. Reduce your consumption of caffeinated drinks, too. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also trigger excessive mucus in the throat, so these should be avoided as well. Make certain that you drink lots of water and fruit juices, since this may help loosen the mucus. Once you have started coughing up mucus, it's a good idea to drink hot vegetable soup or a hot beverage.

Some home remedies also assist in eliminating excess mucus in the throat. For example, the inhalation of steam usually proves to be useful in treating this affliction. Incorporate essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus or lavender into boiling water and inhale the steam. Adding a touch of salt to lukewarm water and gargling, will also help loosen mucus. If you have a persistent sensation of mucus in the throat, drinking hot herbal teas like chamomile tea, ginger tea or lemon will help. Abstain from smoking. Having mucus constantly in the throat may be indicative of upper respiratory infections, a cold, bronchitis or sinusitis. In these cases, see your doctor.

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About the Author

Karma Amarande has been a freelance writer since 2004, including technical writing, prose, poetry, research and marketing articles. Her work has appeared in newspapers such as the "Charlotte Observer" and "Gaston Gazette." Amarande holds a Bachelor of Science in philosophy from Berea College, as well as an associate's degree in medical assisting.